i–♭VII–IV in A Minor

Pattern: i – ♭VII – IV Chords: Am – G – D

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
i	Am (details)	minor	Tonic
♭VII	G (details)	major	Subtonic
IV	D (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Am (Tonic) → G (Subtonic) → D (Subdominant).

The i–♭VII–IV progression descends stepwise from the minor tonic through the subtonic to the subdominant, creating a classic Dorian-flavored sound. The major IV chord (borrowed from Dorian mode) gives it a brighter quality than typical minor progressions. It appears frequently in rock and folk music.

Song Examples

Oye Como Va, Santana
Smoke on the Water, Deep Purple

Chord Details

Am G D

More Progressions in A Minor

i–♭VII–♭VI–V i–iv–v vi–IV–I–V i–iv–i–V iv–iv–i–V i–iv–i i–iv–V vi–V–IV–III i–♭VII i–♭III–♭VII i–♭VII–♭VI i–♭III–♭VII–IV